In bracket play, Circle defeated the Wichita Defenders 25-20, 25-17 setting up a rematch with Andale in the semi-finals. In a competitive hard-fought match, the Thunderbirds bowed down in the end losing 25-20, 20-25, 16-25.

"Andale's hitters definitely stepped it up a notch in the deciding set. We didn't blockor dig well in that one. Overall though, it was one of the best matches we've played this season," said Circle coach Shelly Nibarger.

In the consolation match, Circle once again met up with Douglass. This time the Thunderbirds came out victorious 25-18, 25-18 to earn the bronze medals.

Circle is now 17-12 on the season. They compete in the Wellington Triangular with Andale on Tuesday.

Top Servers

Katie Frankenbery 49-49, 3 aces

Leslie Geist 57-57, 4 aces

Alexis Wiebe 49-50, 4 aces

Top Hitters

Leslie Geist 61 kills

Alexis Wiebe 26 kills

Top Diggers

Alyssa Kirkham 54 digs

Taylor Adlesperger 43 digs

Top Setter

Katie Frankenbery 119 assists

Top Blockers

Jamie Wright 16 blocks

Leslie Geist 10 blocks

Erin Schiesser 6 blocks

The Circle High School Junior Varsity Volleyball team competed in the El Dorado Invitational Tournament on Saturday.

"We'd lost to Valley Center the weekend before and placed 2nd in their tournament, so our goal coming into the El Dorado tournament was to win first place," said coach Shawnda Wishart. "I was pleased with our performance all day; we competed well in all areas of our game and maintained our intensity and focus throughout all of our matches. Each player knew her role and played her role to the best of her ability."

The T-Birds' season record is now 25-3 with four matches remaining.

They travel to Wellington today to face Wellington and Andale.

Their last matches of the season are at home Oct. 16 against McPherson and Clearwater.